Master of Education in School & Applied Child Psychology

Train as a School Psychologist. Support Learning, Mental Health, and Well-Being in Schools.

The Master of Education in School & Applied Child Psychology prepares graduate students to become skilled practitioners supporting the academic, social, behavioural, and mental health needs of children and youth. Grounded in a scientist–practitioner model, the program integrates theory, research, and clinical practice to equip students with the competencies required for effective assessment, intervention, consultation, and prevention across school and community settings.

Training emphasizes evidence‑based practice, ethical and professional decision‑making, and a strong commitment to equity, diversity, Indigeneity, human rights, and social justice. Students learn to work at individual, group, and systems levels, developing the ability to link assessment to intervention and to support diverse learners and communities with cultural humility and clinical skill.

Program Highlights

  • Extensive Practical Experience: Early and ongoing practicum opportunities, followed by a full‑time internship, provide hands‑on training in assessment, intervention, and consultation.

  • Comprehensive Skill Development: Build competencies across academic, behavioural, social‑emotional, and mental health domains, with a strong focus on connecting assessment findings to effective intervention.

  • Cohort-Based, Supportive Learning: Learn within a dedicated cohort model that fosters mentorship, collaboration, and a strong sense of community.

  • Accessible Hybrid Delivery (Rural & Remote Inclusion): Complete most coursework online while remaining in your home community, with a short in-person residency at the UBC Vancouver campus. This format supports working professionals, including those in rural and remote communities. 

  • Strong Career Pathways: Graduate prepared for high‑demand roles in schools, community agencies, and applied child and youth settings across Canada.

This program is offered by the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education


Start Date: July 2027
Length: 3 Years | Part-Time
Format: Online + In-Person Sessions in the Second Summer for 2-weeks at UBC Vancouver (Subsidized Accommodation)
Domestic Tuition: $17,391.99 CAD
International Tuition: $20,906.62 CAD

Upcoming Info Sessions

Thursday, June. 11 | 4:00pm


Program Details

Schedule

Students will complete a total of 48 credits of coursework, typically in 3 years.

Date Course Format
Jul - Aug 2027 EPSE 550: Professional, Ethical and Legal Issues in School and Applied Child Psychology Online, Synchronous
EPSE 565: Special Topics in Foundations of Educational and Psychological Measures in School and Applied Child Psychology Online, Synchronous
Sept - Dec 2027 EPSE 505: Foundations in Human Development: Infancy to Adulthood Online, Synchronous
Online MOOC: Reconciliation Through Indigenous Education Online, Asynchronous
Jan - Apr 2028 EPSE 552: Intervention & Mental Health Promotion in Schools Online, Synchronous
EPSE 507: Applied Child and Adolescent Psychopathology Online, Synchronous
May - Jun 2028 EPSE 551: School-Based Consultation Online, Synchronous
Date Course Format
Jul - Aug 2028 (Full-Time) EPSE 554: Practicum in Cognitive Assessment Online and In-person, Synchronous (meet in-person August 11 to 25, 2028)
Sept 2028 - Apr 2029 (Integrated) EPSE 561F: School Psychology Masters Practicum In-person w/ Online Group Supervision (bi-monthly)
Sept - Dec 2028 EPSE 535: Social and Emotional Assessment Online, Synchronous
EPSE 576: Assessment and Positive Behaviour Support in School & Community Settings Online, Synchronous
Jan - Apr 2029 EPSE 531: Data Based Individualization of Academic Interventions for Learning Difficulties Online, Synchronous
Date Course Format
Sept 2029 - Jun 2030 EPSE 589: Masters Internship in School and Applied Child Psychology Fully in-person & monthly online meetings

This is the proposed schedule and is subject to change.

Application Requirements

In addition to the minimum admission requirements set by the Faculty of Graduate Studies (normally, a four-year bachelor's degree with a B+ average in third and fourth year-level coursework) in a relevant area of study, students are required to meet the following pre-requisite requirements:
  • A minimum of 18 credits in psychology, educational psychology, or special education and related disciplines.
    • In special cases, strong academic indicators (e.g., recent upper‑level coursework, academic references) may be considered.
  • CNPS 362 (Basic Interviewing Skills) or an equivalent undergraduate course
    • See approved equivalency options here (only the CNPS 362 section applies to this program)
  • Undergraduate coursework in human development
  • Senior-level undergraduate coursework in statistics
  • Evidence of suitability for professional work with school-aged populations, including successful work experience with school-aged populations, school- based experience, and/or teacher certification.

The GRE is not required. For information regarding English Language Proficiency requirements refer to English LanguageProficiency Requirements.


Conditional Acceptance

Applicants who are missing one or more prerequisites may be considered for conditional acceptance, pending successful completion of the required coursework before the program begins or within Year 1.

Program Requirements

The School and Applied Child Psychology Master of Education (M.Ed.) program requires three years of full-time study, including courses, practicum, and school-based internship experiences. The full program requires 48 credits. In exceptional circumstances up to 12 credits of coursework may be waived in recognition of previous coursework and/or relevant work experience. Students are required to complete a sequence in School and Applied Child Psychology Practice, including coursework in the following areas:

  • Professional, ethical and legal issues in school psychology
  • Consultation
  • Cognitive, academic and social- emotional assessment
  • School-based psychological intervention and prevention
  • Psychopathology
  • Academic and behavioural interventions
  • Measurement

An eight-month integrated field practicum is completed in year two in addition to the intensive 10-month full-time (1200 hour) school-based internship in year three.

The program is designed for students who want practice as school psychologists at the master’s level with provincial licensure.

District Collaboration & Responsibilities

Students are encouraged to proactively secure a practicum and internship site within a school district or approved setting. Partner sites should be able to provide:

  • Access to appropriate assessment materials (e.g., WISC-V, WIAT-4, BASC-3) and, where possible, digital tools and platforms (e.g., tablets, online scoring systems)
  • A suitable, confidential space for conducting assessments and professional activities
  • Supervision by a licensed school psychologist or psychologist, in alignment with regulatory expectations
  • Opportunities to engage in consultation, assessment, and intervention with students, families, and school-based teams

UBC will support coordination efforts, provide guidance, and offer professional development for field supervisors. However, practicum and internship placements are dependent on district capacity and agreement, and therefore cannot be guaranteed without confirmed local support.

To support this process, students are encouraged to use the attached letter to school districts when initiating contact and exploring potential placement opportunities

Important Expectations & Considerations

  1. On-Campus Residency
    Students are required to attend an in-person residency of approximately two weeks during the second summer (August 11 to 25, 2028) at the University of British Columbia Vancouver campus. Subsidized accommodation will be available.
  2. Cohort Progression and Program Continuity
    This is a structured, three-year cohort-based program. Due to the sequencing of courses, students who require a leave of absence or are unable to progress as scheduled may experience delays of up to three years before required courses are offered again.
  3. Professional Registration and Licensure
    The program is designed to align with the educational requirements of the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia (CHCPBC). However, completion of the program does not guarantee registration. Graduates must meet all regulatory requirements, including demonstrated competencies and ethical and professional standards, as determined by the regulatory body.
  4. Technology and Assessment Materials
    Students will have access to UBC-supported digital assessment tools (e.g., publisher training platforms). The University of British Columbia Psychology Services and Clinical Training Centre (PSCTC) provides a limited number of devices (e.g., Chromebooks/iPads). Access for rural and remote students is supported through practicum or internship sites.
  5. Field Supervision and District Partnership
    UBC provides professional development and consultation to field supervisors. School districts and partner sites are encouraged to support supervision through release time (e.g., 0.2 FTE or equivalent for the internship year) to ensure high-quality training and oversight. Preference will be given to applicants who have established relationships with, and/or demonstrated commitments from, their local school district to support practicum and internship training.
  6. Equity, Access, and Financial Support
    The program is committed to increasing access to training. Efforts will be made to reserve seats and secure bursary funding for applicants from rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, as well as those with demonstrated financial need.

Designed for the British Columbia Context

This program is intentionally designed to reflect the structure, priorities, and evolving needs of British Columbia’s education system, including:

  • Alignment with Ministry of Education and Child Care designation categories and Individual Education Plan (IEP) processes
  • Preparation for working within school-based teams and inclusive education frameworks across BC school districts
  • Awareness of and engagement with key provincial systems and services (e.g., child and youth mental health, healthcare, and Indigenous education)
  • Ongoing alignment with professional and practice priorities identified by BC Association of School Psychologists and school districts (e.g., mental health, early literacy, and inclusive practices)

The program also welcomes and supports applicants from the Yukon and across Western Canada, recognizing the need to build school psychology capacity in rural, remote, and northern communities.

Fees

Tuition Fees

Type Per Installment Total Tuition
Domestic $2,484.57 CAD $17,391.99 CAD
International $2,986.66 CAD $20,906.62 CAD

Tuition fees are reviewed annually by the UBC Board of Governors and may be adjusted without prior notice. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on tuition and fees, visit the official UBC Calendar. In case of a discrepancy between this webpage and the UBC Calendar, the UBC Calendar entry will be held to be correct.

Graduate tuition is assessed as an annual program fee, which is divided into three equal installments due at the beginning of academic terms starting in September, January and May. Students in this program will pay a minimum of 7 installments.

Student Fees

Student fees include fees established and authorized by the UBC Board of Governors and fees established and authorized by students societies. These fees are in addition to tuition fees. Please see the UBC Calendar for details on student fees.

Funding Eligibility

As this program is part-time, it is not eligible for student loans or other types of funding.

How to Apply

Application Status: Closed (opening Fall 2026)

Application Deadline: TBD

Document Deadline: TBD


ONLINE APPLICATION

  • Navigate to grad.ubc.ca/apply/online.
  • When you are ready to apply, click “Apply Online”.
  • Read the instructions, and either log in with your CWL or create a CWL if you have never attended UBC.
  • Once logged in, on the “Degree Program Selection,” type “Professional Cohort” into the “Program Keyword” field.
  • IMPORTANT: The program name should be Master of Education in School and Applied Psychology. Please ensure you are applying to the correct program – this part-time Professional Cohort is different than the regular on-campus program.
  • Select the program.
  • Click the “Apply” button.
  • Fill out the application as indicated.

SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS

Please have these ready to upload when you apply:

Transcripts, degree certificates (if applicable), English language assessment report (if applicable), statement of intent, and an up-to-date resume must be uploaded to your application.

In cases where referees are unable to submit an electronic reference, sealed and endorsed reference letters may be sent by mail. Your reference will receive a link to a reference form that they should complete and send back to us.

You can also find the Grad Reference Form here.

important Important: Please ask your references to include the 4-character cohort designation SACP when they submit their reference. All references must arrive in sealed envelopes with the reference’s signature on the seal.

Please send mailed documents to:

David Roy
SACP Graduate Cohort
Faculty of Education, OPL Office
University of British Columbia
1304-2125 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4


APPLICATION TIMELINE

After your application is submitted, all documents are uploaded, and references have been received, your application file is considered complete.

Once the application deadline for the program has passed, all completed application files are submitted to the Department for review.  Applications recommended by the Department for admission are then confirmed against Graduate & Post-Doctoral Studies requirements, and accepted applicants are notified. Any special case admissions require an additional review by Graduate and Post-Doctoral Studies.

The entire process generally takes 8 to 12 weeks.


ASSISTANCE

If you require any assistance with the application process, please contact:

David Roy
Senior Program Assistant
604-822-3622
opl.educ@ubc.ca

Info Sessions

Have questions? We’ve got answers!

Meet the Program Advisor and Senior Program Assistant, and learn more about this program and about applying to become a UBC graduate student.

Thursday, June. 11 | 4:00pm

Contacts

For program content questions:

Simon Lisaingo
Cohort Advisor
Associate Professor
simon.lisaingo@ubc.ca

For application questions or assistance:

David Roy
Senior Program Assistant
604-822-3622
opl.educ@ubc.ca